Search continues for escaped inmate

Keana Barnes (Source: Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections)

ST. GABRIEL, LA (WAFB) - Authorities are still looking for an inmate that escaped early Tuesday morning.

Keana Barnes, 33, got away from the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women in St. Gabriel.

State Department of Corrections spokeswoman, Pam Laborde, said guards did a count but found Barnes' bed was stuffed to make it appear she was there.

"She escaped over a fence. There are basically two points where we think she tried to escape. The first she left behind a few articles of clothing, a jacket and a cap. There was also some blood left behind," Laborde said.

A jacket and cap believed to be Barnes' were found near a gate of the prison.

Laborde said Barnes recently shaved her head. She could also be wearing a wig, as last time she fled from police she bought hair extensions.

Barnes has a tattoo of a letter "K" on her hand, a dragon on her back and a panther on her chest.

Officials are reviewing security measures and checking phone records to see whether Barnes had any help in her escape, although at this time they are unsure if she had an accomplice.

"You look at their call list, maybe mail they've received and certain things that may have triggered some behaviors. Obviously we're going back and looking at all of that right now."

Barnes had been incarcerated at the prison since 2004. She had been serving a 25-year sentence for manslaughter.

A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to her capture. If you have any information, call 225-319-2300.